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Facebook dispute involves APD spokesperson

Published On: Apr 25 2013 06:58:53 PM MDT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -

An Albuquerque police spokesperson could be in trouble after posting Facebook comments.

While what started an online argument between Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Officer Robert Gibbs and Shawn Bryan remains unclear, police officials were still deciding whether the comments made warranted discipline.

Bryan was allegedly tipped off about a police investigation by former police officer Brad Ahrensfield. Bryan made a crude remark about Gibbs performing a sex act on Police Chief Ray Schultz before saying, “Don’t confuse your badge for making you a man.”

Gibbs responded, “Go get a psych eval soon, before you eat a gun. Not that that would be a bad thing -- actually, it would be an instant community improvement.”

KOAT Action 7 News reached out to APD for comment on the posts, but officials said the department was not saying anything about the online feud. APD confirmed there was no internal affairs investigation into the war of words, though the department was looking into it.

APD’s social media policy indicates anything from vulgar posts to posting about investigations can earn officers a verbal reprimand or get an officer fired.

Gibbs is still taking on the duties as a spokesperson on top of his regular duties. His Facebook page does not state that he works for Albuquerque Police.

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